GW Flag Day 2017 Is Most Grateful Year Yet

Students write more than 1,400 thank you cards to alumni donors to show appreciation for their generosity.

GW community members descended on Kogan Plaza on Wednesday to thank donors for their generosity during GW's third-annual Flag Day. (William Atkins/GW Today)

April 14, 2017

George Washington University students and other community members wrote a record of more than 1,400 thank you cards on GW Flag Day 2017, showing alumni donors their appreciation for those who give back to the university and help support a GW education.

“GW Flag Day is one of our favorite days of the year,” said Matt Manfra, interim vice president for development and alumni relations. “It brings staff, faculty and students together to talk about the impact philanthropy has on our unique and shared GW experiences.”

Flag Day 2017 was the third-annual event recognizing alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends who give back to the university. Activities throughout the day educated the GW community about Making History: The Campaign for GW and how philanthropy impacts the university experience.

More than 1,400 thank you notes were written this year—the most ever on GW Flag Day. (William Atkins/GW Today)

The Division of Development and Alumni Relations and selected schools set up stations throughout the Foggy Bottom Campus, with George Washington’s commander-in-chief flag prominently displayed to help identify the people and places supported by philanthropy.

In addition to writing thank you notes, GW community members took photos in a photo booth, got commander-in-chief flag buttons and participated in “Philanthroquest,” a scavenger hunt activity that helped them learn about famous GW philanthropic landmarks.

Flag Day brings out GW spirit in many who participate, including senior Jessica Allen. (William Atkins/GW Today)

The Elliott School of International Affairs also held a special networking lunch in the City View Room for students, staff, faculty and alumni to discuss the importance of giving back to the Elliott School.

“I'm a firm believer in the power of gratitude and giving thanks, and that's what Flag Day is all about,” said senior Jessica Allen. “Further, students can show their appreciation by giving back to a part of GW that is meaningful to them. This is the best way to make sure GW keeps growing and meeting the needs of its students.”

Although the university did not meet the challenge of receiving 500 student gifts on April 12, the anonymous donors were inspired by students’ ongoing generosity—nearly 1,500 undergraduate and graduate students have made gifts this year—and made a $5,000 contribution to the Ronald W. Howard Student Assistance Fund.

"When a member of our GW student community faces an emergency situation, we have to be prepared to respond,” said Dean of Student Affairs Peter Konwerski, B.A. '91, M.A. '94, Ed.D. '97. “That's why I'm so grateful to the generous donors who contributed to the Ronald W. Howard Student Assistance Fund to support GW students in times of need.”